SAARC Dialogue Focuses on Climate-Resilient Agriculture in South Asia

The SAARC Agriculture Centre has launched a three-day regional consultation aimed at expanding agroecological practices to build climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems across South Asia, with experts emphasizing stronger regional cooperation to address shared challenges.

On Tuesday, 14 July, the consultation, titled Scaling Up Agroecological Practices for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems in South Asia, brought together policymakers, development practitioners, researchers and agricultural specialists from across the region to discuss opportunities and challenges in transforming food systems through agroecological approaches.

Welcoming participants, SAARC Agriculture Centre Director Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid highlighted the growing impacts of climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss. He said agroecological practices offer a sustainable pathway to improve agricultural productivity, conserve natural resources and strengthen climate resilience.

Dr. Raja Ullah Khan, Senior Programme Specialist for Natural Resource Management at the SAARC Agriculture Centre and coordinator of the consultation, outlined the meeting's objectives and work plan. He said expanding agroecological practices could contribute to sustainable food production, environmental conservation, improved livelihoods and stronger regional knowledge sharing.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Anshuman Das, Lead Expert on Agroecology and Food Systems at Welthungerhilfe India, said agroecology is more than a collection of farming techniques. He described it as an integrated approach that conserves biodiversity, reduces dependence on external inputs and builds food systems capable of withstanding climate-related shocks.

Special guest Tanvir Ahmed Tarafdar, Director of the SAARC Secretariat, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, policy support and institutional partnerships to accelerate the adoption of agroecological approaches. He said coordinated action among SAARC member states is essential to address common challenges related to food security, climate change and natural resource management.

Chief guest Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary of Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and Chairperson of the Governing Body of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, stressed the need to integrate agroecological approaches into national agricultural policies and development programmes. She highlighted innovation, farmer-centred initiatives and regional knowledge exchange as key elements for strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and ensuring long-term food and nutrition security.

Participants concluded that coordinated regional efforts would be critical for expanding agroecological practices and advancing sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and food security across South Asia.
//DBTech/ABM/ED//